Earlier Deadline Posed For Candidate

A new bill would require a candidate planning to fill a vacated spot on the election ballot announce their intentions 80 days sooner than allowed for in current law.

A candidate now must announce they are filling a vacated spot on the ballot at least 10 days before the general election.

The new law, proposed proposed by Rep. Jeff Alltus, R-Hayden, would change the time limit to 90 days, unless the vacancy resulted from death, or other reason “which would disqualify the candidate from holding the office.”

“I’m trying to protect the election process,” said Alltus. “If one candidate puts in in April, there’s no reason why other candidates shouldn’t … it’s an abuse of the system.”

Alltus, in this year’s election, faced this very problem. The original candidate dropped out of the race, only to be replaced by another candidate two months before the general election.

Alltus said that in many cases this situation makes it easier for a candidate whose race is up an running. The problem, he said, is that it can cost up to $10,000 to reprint a ballot.

“This legislation is for the benefit of the public and the election progress,” said Alltus.

The House State Affairs Committee agreed to send the bill to the full House for a vote.